Exploring Mindfulness – Part 2 of 3

Often we do a task with the intention of getting it done, so that we can get to the next thing. Right?

Here are some examples:

1. A simple example that I commonly share is doing the dishes so that we can sit down and have a cup of tea.

2. Or another might be to get that phone call to your mother out of the way so you can sit down and relax in front of the TV (or computer).

3. Or we gobble down some food at our desk in order to get on with the working day.

With just a slight shift in attitude, here’s what these experiences could be like:

1. Stay present with doing the dishes, without rushing. Notice the soap suds, the way they glisten, feel the warm water, see the shiny dishes. Then use that same attitude of attention to make the cup and tea, and then drink it.

2. Make the phone call and really listen to the other person. Engage with them. Can you pick up anything from their tone of voice? You might find that speaking with love and compassion naturally follows.

3. Eat mindfully! Really notice the small, taste and texture of each mouthful. Don’t have any distracting electronic devices in front of you! You will be rewarded with rich sensations.

These examples are simple and a good place to start.

People sometimes tell me that they don’t have time to slow down to do the dishes, or that if they do try, they get frustrated or bored.

This becomes an opportunity to notice the way frustration arises when you are just living your life doing its simple practicalities. And it shows just how much we do live ‘in our heads’.

I read somewhere the advice:

‘Live the moments of your life as if you had chosen them.’

Try the attitude that NOW is the time I am going to do the dishes; I have chosen to spend this moment doing the dishes. Does that make a difference?

There are just so many more ways to practice being mindful.

I’m even amazed at the dexterity of my fingers as I type this.

You might want to try:

·         Putting out the rubbish

·         Driving (always a good idea to be mindful!)

·         Yoga practice on the mat

·         Listening to your children

·         Playing with your children

·         Having a shower

·         Smoothing lotion on your body

·         Cleaning your teeth

·         Chopping vegetables

In fact for as much of your day as you can, stay present with the sensations of the moment.

Earlier today while I put petrol in the car there was the smell of the petrol and the feeling of the sun on my skin. Interesting how the mind can judge one of these as bad and the other as good. Yet they are just sensations to notice. They add richness to my life. (I’m not going to make a habit of smelling petrol by the way, it is just today’s example.)

What did you try? Did it make a difference? Please share in the comments below!

From simple practices we can develop greater awareness of more subtle inner sensations. I’ll talk about that in part 3 of this series. Look out for it soon.

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8 things I learnt from the New York City Yoga Journal conference

As an Aussie teaching yoga in suburban Mt Waverley, Melbourne for over 13 years, I have wondered for a while what it might be like to get to an international Yoga conference. This year I finally bit the bullet and travelled to New York City for the Yoga Journal conference. I attended full day immersion workshops on the Friday and the Monday, and 2 days of shorter sessions and events on the Saturday and Sunday.

What did I learn?

1.     Yoga meets you where you are.

Yes even at a conference where nearly everyone is a teacher, you are OK as you are. There is something for everyone, whatever your level of experience, understanding or practice.

2.     There is always more to learn.

I am humbled to have been in the presence of some wise and experienced teachers. Those that impressed me most were Sarah Powers, Seane Corn, Rodney Yee, Shiva Rea and Bo Forbes. They were passionate, knowledgeable and amazingly articulate. Of course I couldn’t get to everything on offer, there were usually at least 6 concurrent things going on.

3.     I already know plenty.

I spent time with some ‘famous’ yoga teachers. I understood the Sanskrit terms and old concepts that have been handed down from teacher to student over the years. I was fine with the level of anatomy. (I was less interested and familiar with any of the astrological stuff, which really only came in one of the sessions I was at). I realise that I have the essential teachings. And I’m starting to embody them in my life now too.

4.     A good understanding of anatomy is important.

But it is definitely not a one size fits all. As teachers we can not feel what another is feeling, but a look at their face will tell us plenty. Work with whichever bodies are in front of you and be prepared to adapt!

5.     There is more than one ‘right’ way.

Yes, there are lots of ‘right’ ways to practice asana and yoga. There’s also some ways that are less beneficial, (even though they may be popular).

6.     We crave more than active asana.

Whenever Shavasana was suggested, it went down a treat. Sometimes ‘antidote’ contemplations or focussing techniques can help liberate our confusion if ‘just being’ is too difficult. And it was good to see many teachers offering meditation.

7.     I’m grateful.

So yes, I actually already knew most of the above. It was reassuring to have many of my current practices and teaching methods affirmed within an international context. Highlighted for me is how grateful I am to have received my major teaching and influence from Swami Shantananda at the Australian College of Classical Yoga. Thank you Mataji from the bottom of my heart.  It was lovely to come home to Satsang with the classical yoga community. And thanks also to my wonderful yoga students that have taught me so much over the years!

8.     Don’t put up a picture of yourself on the cover of Yoga Journal on Facebook or everyone will believe it!

It seemed like a fun thing to do at the time … I am humbled that many people thought it was believable!

 

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